Scott Stachowiak is a seasoned media and communications professional with more than three decades of experience, specializing in public relations, media relations, corporate and crisis communications. As Senior Vice President at Russo Partners, LLC, Scott leads a diverse portfolio of clients in the healthcare, pharma, biotech, medical device, clinical trial recruitment, and entrepreneurial sectors. His expertise includes managing earned media strategies across traditional, social, and trade media, while also overseeing video production services to meet the growing multimedia needs of his clients, who range from non-profits to start-ups to the top range of the Fortune 500.

Scott’s extensive career began with a strong foundation in journalism, earning a BA in Journalism from the University of Minnesota and an Associate of Arts in Communications from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Early on, Scott developed his leadership skills as Co-Editor-in-Chief of his college newspaper, “The Forum,” which laid the groundwork for his future in managing high-pressure newsrooms and overseeing large-scale media projects.

Throughout his career, Scott has held prominent roles, including Broadcast Producer at ABC News, where he managed breaking news coverage of historic global events, such as the Boston Marathon bombing manhunt and the Osama bin Laden raid. His time at ABC News, CNN, and NBC News further solidified his reputation as a leader with a high sense of urgency, excellent critical thinking skills, and an unparalleled ability to manage teams and workflow during high-stakes news events.

In addition to his media relations experience at Russo Partners, Scott also served as Senior Vice President, Health, at Porter Novelli, where he provided media relations counsel to a global network of clients, including those in the Omnicom agency network. His proficiency in handling new conferences, messaging, and briefings allowed him to offer strategic guidance to clients navigating complex media landscapes.  His clients included some of the biggest names in pharma in the Fortune 500.

In addition to his leadership in media relations, Scott is a trusted crisis communications expert, often serving as the point person for high-profile media interviews and public speaking engagements, including presentations at the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference, the Biotech Showcase, and has represented his agency and the industry at similar events.

Scott’s deep understanding of the evolving media landscape and his commitment to delivering impactful communication strategies have made him a highly sought-after executive in the industry. His interpersonal talents as a “morale officer” who fosters friendly teamwork, make him an invaluable leader to his colleagues and clients alike.

Fluent in English with elementary proficiency in Spanish, Scott’s passion for storytelling, content strategy, and corporate branding continues to drive his mission to share untold stories across multiple platforms. Whether working with market leaders to reinforce their branding or helping emerging companies build their identity, Scott is dedicated to helping businesses grow and succeed.

A frequent keynote speaker, Scott has shared insights into his career journey and leadership philosophy, reflecting on his humble beginnings at UW-Marathon County, where his passion for journalism first took root. Today, his ongoing managerial training and technical expertise ensure that he remains at the forefront of media communications, helping clients navigate complex challenges and achieve lasting success.

Character:
Scott Stachowiak is known for his calm, decisive demeanor, even in high-pressure situations, making him a trusted leader in challenging environments. His hands-on approach and ability to foster teamwork highlight his strong commitment to building collaborative and motivated teams.

Knowledge:
With 38 years of experience in media, communications, and public relations, Scott has an extensive understanding of both traditional and digital media landscapes. His expertise spans from crisis management and corporate branding to content strategy and health reporting, positioning him as a versatile industry professional.

Strategic:
Scott excels at developing and executing media strategies that amplify brand identity and position emerging companies for growth. He is skilled at leveraging limited resources for maximum impact, offering clients tailored solutions that drive measurable results.

Communication:
A master of storytelling, Scott uses his communication expertise to craft compelling narratives across platforms, from broadcast to social media. His ability to deliver key messages through media interviews, press conferences, and public speaking engagements underscores his proficiency in high-level communication.